I just filled my 1999 3.8l mustang up with gas, and now it won't start.

I filled my car up with gas, topped it off. when I finished paying, it would not start. It turned over, but would not fire. we pushed it over to a parking spot, and I let it sit for about 5min, and then it fired right up with out any problem. I drove it home and now I can not get it to start up again. Its been sitting for about three days now. Its getting fuel, I can hear the fuel pump, and its getting spark. I have not had this happen before, and there is not lights on. I have had the car for about 6months, and as far as I know, the previous owner has not had this happen either. They did have a new fuel pump put in before I bought it. Anyone have this happen, or have any ideas. Please Help.....OPUS!!

9 Answers

Since this happened when you got gas I'd
suspect a stuck open purge valve for the EVAP
system. When this happens raw fuel can be
forced into the engine causing it to be flooded.
Remove the spark plugs. Are they wet and smell
of gasoline? If so, clean or replace them and
see if it'll start. You can also hold the
accelerator pedal to the floor while cranking.
This will put the computer in "clear flood mode"
and may get you started without removing the
spark plugs. HTH. -Jim

I know this sounds unlikely, but throttle body cars flood, just like a carbed car did. the next time it happens, push the gas pedel down to the floor, and crank the car until it starts. when it starts, don't be alarmed by the smoke, that's just the excess fuel being burned. flooring the pedel will allow more air to the cylinders, and finally the mixer will even out and the motor will start. another thing to check, is to make sure the gas cap is on and tight, let it click a few times to be sure, since it happen after you got gas, that could be whats wrong....hope this helps

Js I want to thank you for your answer, I did change this and it did
start again. RS, i did have to push the gas pedal to the floor, and
yes a lot of white smoke did come out. But the car is running fine
now, and I want to thank you ALL for your response. This was very
helpful.....OPUS

That's what nice about this website, you never know who you might
help. And there's no thanks needed, I feel good by the help I give to
others,and the help I get from other people. Great things happen to
you, when you give !!! Hope this helps....

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